DAVE JOHNSON - CASA TOURS - OWNER from UNITED STATES writes:
Big News at Termas de Chillan for 2008!!! There is finally a new concessionaire, Cristian Gonzalez, who has taken over resort operations. The resort has been renamed NEVADOS DE CHILLAN and the vibe of optimistic change is very present. One example of the progress being made is long time Las Trancas local, Niko, is running snowcat tours to the top of Volcan Nuevo. What used to be a 3 hour plus skin takes 26 minutes.
Chillan has always been considered by the CASA team as the gem of the Chilean Andes. Incredibly expansive terrain both in bounds and off-piste. It is a huge destination for international ski teams training in downhill and slalom.
Chillan is one of the few Chilean resorts that actually has terrain below tree line allowing skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to ride in white out storms. It is a unique experience to ride in a bamboo forest!
Off-piste is where Nevados de Chillan really becomes a world class destination. With 3 volcanos to summit and untouched valleys to the North and South, the terrain is endless here. Tres Marias, Shangri-La, Pirigallo Aguas Calientes, and my favorite Valle Hermoso are the main side-country excursions easily accessed from Chillan's lift system.
Nevados de Chillan boasts the longest chairlift in South America, the legendary Don Otto. From the top of this lift riders can tag close to 3000 continuous vertical feet. And if the Fresco T-bar is open one can ride 13 km and close to 4000 vertical feet to the base area through the Tres Marias lava flow. Skiing and snowboarding at Nevados de Chillan is lunaresque.
Nevados de Chillan is a paradise for snowboarders looking to ride natural half-pipes made from the lava flows and get sweet air off numerous cornice drops.
I can not say enough good things about this resort. It receives excellent snowfall, the terrain is otherworldly, and the vibe is awesome. I am really excited to see how the resort will transform under Cristian's leadership. Already I like what I see and hear from the locals.
Cristian has also made great improvements to the old Pirigallo Hotel, which is now called the Nevados de Chillan Hotel.
Las Trancas the village 20 minutes down the valley is still my favorite ski town in South America. If you are looking for a place to stay I highly recommend Cabanas Los Andes, Rucahue and the MI Lodge.
The Chilin Hostel serves the best pizza in town.
Olivia's Restaurant is also excellent and the owner, Alejandro, often plays live music to the dinner crowd.
For late night action the SnowPub is the place to go.
If you have the opportunity to visit Nevados de Chillan on your South American ski trip do not miss out, this place rocks!!!!!
2008-08-12 |
